Monday, January 28, 2008

The Vespa LXV and GTV


The Vespa LXV and GTV models celebrate 60 years of the most legendary two-wheeler of all time by re-introducing the trademark Vespa styling and features from the 50s and 60s models.

A few years after it was originally launched, Vespa would come to symbolize Europe's post-war reconstruction. Over the decades, it would become an icon of youth culture and an emblem of Italian style and design worldwide. Now, 60 years on, the Vespa continues to be an innovative product and an example of industrial design par excellence in terms of styling and production technology.

Cleverly re-interpreting some of the traditional design and technical elements of vintage Vespas, particularly 1950s and 1960s models, the Vespa GTV and Vespa LXV pay homage to this iconic product, the result of pure Italian creativity and industrial culture
Developed on the base of, respectively, the Vespa GTS and LX, the Vespa GTV and LXV have a distinct vintage look, but include automatic transmissions and eco-friendly, modern engines. The GTV utilizes a powerful 250cc four-valve, liquid-cooled engine with electronic injection, a double rear shock absorber and 12" wheels stopped by two disk brakes. The LXV is built around the LX engine, a 150cc four-stroke engine. Both models feature a single steel chassis, as all Vespas have since their inception.
Developed on the base of the GTS, the GTV features several distinctive stylistic details, namely the headlamp which has been positioned on the front mudguard, as it was on the very first Vespa prototype. The headlamp moved up by the handlebars on mid 50s models, and is back on the mudguard for this special vintage model. Additional features evoke the original Vespa as well, such as the 'naked' handlebar (the prototype had a simple, metal tube) and the dual-seat saddle which is made of genuine leather and houses storage space suitable for your helmet. The round analog speedometer has relatively retro graphics, plus a digital ride information display, further emphasizing the combination of historical elements and modern technology on this unique vehicle.
Developed on the base of the 2005 Vespa LX, the LXV was designed as a tribute to the 1960s Vespas. The updates to the LXV are on the accessory parts to the metal body, such as the headlamp and handlebars. The headlamp remains in its original position on the handlebar, like the 1960s scooters from which the Vespa LXV is derived, but in a slimmer, more minimalist version to emphasise the 'naked' handlebar and to give the front of the vehicle a more lightweight look. The analog instrumentation is placed in a chrome-plated frame while the unique graphics resemble those in vogue in the 1960s. Real leather is used on the saddle, which is designed with a separate passenger seat just as on the early Vespa models, underneath which is a storage compartment.

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